Articles posted February 4, 2008

Headlines and features from the Thoroughbred industry

Be careful how you handle Crown of Thorns. As we're well aware, the impressive winner of the Feb. 2 Robert B. Lewis Stakes (gr. II) has never run on a real dirt track. But with that said, let's pretend it will make no difference, and that he will be as good on dirt as he looked in the Bob Lewis.

Frank Calabrese's 4-year-old filly Dreaming of Anna was given a testing workout on the turf Sunday morning at Gulfstream Park as the 2006 2-year-old Eclipse champion continues to progress toward a 2008 debut.

The Kentucky Derby "Road to the Roses" Fantasy Challenge, a free online contest that allows racing fans to manage a stable of Kentucky Derby contenders during the three-month buildup to the May 3 race, is now open for registration.

Jockey Johnny Murtagh is "really looking forward" to his new role as retained rider to the powerful triumvirate of John Magnier, Michael Tabor, and Derrick Smith -- the main owners involved in the Coolmore breeding and trainer operation.

Danzel Brendemuehl's passion for Thoroughbred racing was ignited -- almost literally -- when she was just 16 years old. Now, after gaining valuable experience in the trenches of the industry, she's selecting top performers such as Monterey Jazz, Roses In May, Fleetstreet Dancer, and Fridays a Comin.